There’s something about this season that makes me want to cozy up under a fuzzy blanket and settle in for a movie marathon. There are SO many movies that put me in the fall spirit, but now that Alden’s in the mix I’ve been thinking more about the movies I’d like to become part of our fall family traditions. Some are nostalgic from my childhood while others are newbies but goodies.
This list is specifically geared toward families with littles. This list may change as Alden gets older, but for now I know these are movies that will engage him and entertain me too! (Ahem… mama needs some quiet time….)
10. Coraline
In my opinion, Coraline is the scariest movie out there with a PG rating. I get the heebie-jeebies every time I watch it, which may be exactly what some of you are looking for! On the other hand, it may be too scary for your littles (or you!), so use your best judgment.
9. Casper
I watched the cartoon as a kid, but the 1995 movie with Christina Ricci took Casper to a whole new level. It balances Halloween spookiness with the sweetness and innocence you’d expect for a kids’ movie.
8. Double, Double, Toil and Trouble
Olsen twins, anyone?! I loved this movie once upon a time, and I still covet that enchanted moonstone.
7. The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Nightmare Before Christmas has become a classic, and you better believe my kid(s) will be watching it. It’s spooky like Coraline without being quite so terrifying (IMO). The music is a plus!
6. Pocahontas
The animation to “Colors of the Wind” is still so pretty after all these years. Take a break from all the Halloween content for a family Pocahontas sing-a-long.
5. E.T.
An alien in the closet is just the right level of sci-fy weirdness, and he even dresses up as a ghost for Halloween! I’ll probably enjoy this one more than Alden, but oh well!
4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
I can’t look at this cover without immediately hearing the Harry Potter theme music, and I LOVE it. I pray my kid(s) will grow up just as obsessed with the Harry Potter books as I was. If not, at least we can watch the movies together.
3. Halloweentown
I miss the days of Disney Channel Original Movies, and this was THE best one. No wonder it became a series! I can’t wait to bunker down with my family for a full Halloweentown afternoon!
2. Coco
Coco may be my favorite Disney film of the past 5 years. (Sorry, Frozen II!) The animation is stunning and vivid, and the music is so beautiful. I also love the focus on Dia de los Muertos as an alternative to all the Halloween content out there.
1. Hocus Pocus
I bet you guessed it! I think most of us agree that Hocus Pocus is the best family Halloween movie of all time. There is absolutely no debate in my mind. The Sanderson sisters will forever be Halloween icons.
Well that’s it! Let me know what you think in the comments! What do you think should be #1? What movies would you add to the list?